Infeed mechanism for sheet processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

For successively feeding bills or like sheets of paper into counting or like processing apparatus, first and second takeout rollers are rotatably mounted in parallel spaced relationship adjacent both lateral edges, respectively, of the sheets supported in position on the apparatus in neat arrangement. The entire circumferential surface of the first takeout roller is capable of frictional contact with the foremost one of the sheets, whereas only a portion of the circumferential surface of the second takeout roller is capable of frictional contact with the foremost sheet. The rotations of the first and second takeout rollers are interrelated in such a manner that the first takeout roller is caused to rotate in frictional contact with the foremost sheet to shift the same toward the second takeout roller before the said circumferential portion of the constantly rotating second takeout roller moves into frictional contact with the foremost sheet. Thus, each foremost one of the sheets, initially shifted slightly toward the second takeout roller by the first takeout roller, is succeedingly fed completely into the apparatus by the second takeout roller.

States atent [1 1 51 Sept. 30, 1975 1 INFEED MECHANISM FOR SHEET [73]Assignee: Glory KogyoKabushiki Kaisha,

Japan 22 Filed: Apr. 30, 1974 211 Appl, No.2 465,668

UNITED STATES PATENTS 794,401 7/1905 Ferguson 271/23 1,947,561 2/1934Marcalus v. 271/119 X 2,592,822 4/1952 Rapp et al. 271/23 X 2,869,8691/1959 Bauer 271/114 3,406,627 10/1968 Becker 271/119 X PrimaryE.\'aminerEv0n C. Blunk Assistant E.\aminer-Bruce H. Stoner, Jr.Attorney, Agent, or FirmWenderoth, Lind & Ponack [57] ABSTRACT Forsuccessively feeding bills or like sheets of paper into counting or likeprocessing apparatus, first and second takeout rollers are rotatablymounted in parallel spaced relationship adjacent both lateral edges,respectively, of the sheets supported in position on the apparatus inneat arrangement. The entire circumferential surface of the firsttakeout roller is capable of frictional contact with the foremost one ofthe sheets, whereas only a portion of the circumferential surface of thesecond takeout roller is capable of frictional contact with the foremostsheet. The rotations of the first and second takeout rollers areinterrelated in such a manner that the first takeout roller is caused torotate in frictional contact with the foremost sheet to shift the sametoward the second takeout roller before the said circumferential portionof the constantly rotating second takeout roller moves into frictionalcontact with the foremost sheet. Thus, each foremost one of the sheets,initially shifted slightly toward the second takeout roller by the firsttakeout roller, is succeedingly fed completely into the apparatus by thesecond takeout roller.

3 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 1 of 73,908,982

FIG.|

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 2 of 7 3,908,982

FIG.2

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 3 of7 3,908,982

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 4 of 7 3,908,982

FIGA FIG.6(O)

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 5 of? 3,908,982

FIG.7(0) FIG.7(b)

20 2nd TAKE-OUT R RoLLER (2) o TRANSMITTING ROLLER (9) [mo BRAKE.OPERATING ROLLER (l0) 7 FIG I2 I 2 Q P Sheet 6 of 7 U8. Patant Sept.30,1975

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet70f7 Y 3,908,982

INFEEID MEGHANISM FOR SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates generally to apparatus for counting,identifying, or otherwise processing bills, bank notes, security papers,cards or like sheets of paper (hereinafter referred to simply assheets). More specifically, the invention deals with an infeed mechanismfor use with such apparatus (hereinafter referred to as sheet processingapparatus).

There are two well known types of infeed mechanism for the sheetprocessing apparatus under consideration, one utilizing suction exertedthrough a movable suction head, and the other utilizing friction exertedby one or more rollers. The suction-type infeed mechanism isdisadvantageous in that it makes the overall apparatus inconvenientlybulky and complex in construction because there must be incorporatedtherein a vacuum pump or the like and a mechanism for causing thedesired motion of the suction head.

While the friction-type infeed mechanism is far simpler inconfiguration, it has itsown drawback in connection with its operation.In the sheet processing apparatus now under consideration, it is ofabsolute necessity that the sheets to be processed be fed into theapparatus one by one. Correct results of sheet processing areunobtainable in the event two or more sheets are fed simultaneously intothe apparatus. Heretofore, such erroneous feeding operation has beencaused more often by the friction-type infeed mechanism than by thesuction-type mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide animproved friction-tyype infeed mechanism for the above described sheetprocessing apparatus whereby sheets to be processed can unfailingly befed one by one into the apparatus, so that the reliability of theapparatus is greatly enhanced.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in the sheet processingapparatus described, an infeed mechanism of extremely simple,inexpensive and compact construction which can easily be incorporated inthe apparatus without any major alternaion of its existing parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in the sheet processingapparatus described, an infeed mechanism comprising first and secondtakeout rollers which operate in such an interrelated fashion that theforemost one of the sheets supported in position on the apparatus inneat arrangement is first partly separated from the rest of the sheetsand is then fed completely into the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in the sheet processingapparatus described, an infeed mechanism wherein the first takeoutroller is utilized not only to partly separate the foremost sheet fromthe rest of the sheets but to retain the next foremost sheet in positionwhile the first mentioned sheet is being further fed into the apparatusby the second takeout roller.

A still further object of the invention is to provide, in the sheetprocessing apparatus described, an infeed mechanism including brakemeans for forcibly arresting the rotation of the first takeout roller atthe instant the foremost sheet is released thereform upon being partlyseparated from the rest of the sheets, so that the next foremost sheetis positively retained in positionwhile the first mentioned sheet isbeing further fed into the apparatus by the second takeout roller.

According to this invention, summarized in its perhaps broadest aspects,there is provided an infeed mechanism for sheet processing apparatus ofthe type described comprising a first takeout roller rotatably supportedadjacent one edge of sheets neatly arranged in position on the apparatusfor frictional contact with the foremost one thereof, and at least onesecond takeout roller rotatably supported adjacent the opposite edge ofthe sheets in parallel spaced relationship to the first takeout rollerand including a circumferential portion adapted for frictional contactwith the foremost sheet at prescribed time intervals. The first takeoutroller is caused to rotate in frictional contact with the foremost sheetto shift the same toward the second takeout roller before thecircumferential portion of the second takeout roller moves intofrictional contact with the foremost sheet, so that each foremost sheetinitially shifted toward the second takeout roller by the first takeoutroller is thereafter fed completely into the apparatus by thecircumferential portion of the second takeout roller.

The features which are believed to be novel and characteristic of thisinvention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Theinvention itself, however, both as to its construction and mode ofoperation, together with the further objects and advantages thereof,will be best understood from the following description of severalpreferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts ofthe several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of oneexample of a sheet processing apparatus incorporating the novel conceptsof this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the same sheet processing apparatuswith a part of the casing removed to reveal some of the internalconstruction;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view schematically illustrating an exampleof the infeed mechanism according to this invention;

FIG. 5 is a similar view schematically illustrating another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) are similar views schematically illustrating afurther preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) also are similar views schematically illustrating afurther preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further, and more specific, preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the configuration of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10(9) through 10(0) are views similar to FIG. 8 illustratingsequential steps in the operation of the infeed mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a diagram explanatory of the relationship between the angularpositions of projections on the circumferential parts of a secondtakeout roller, drive roller and braking roller in the infeed mechanismof FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view schematically illustrating a possiblemodification of the infeed mechanism accordingto the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The fundamental concepts of this invention are bestembodied in the configurations of FIGS. 4 and 5. As seen in thedrawings, first and second takeout rollers l and 2 are rotatably mountedin parallel spaced elationship to each other adjacent both lateraledges, respectively, of a neat arrangement of sheets P to be processed.The first takeout roller 1 is of perfectly cylindrical shape, and itsentire circumferential surface is capable of frictional contact with theforemost one of the sheets P. The second takeout roller 2 is ofcylindrical shape with an arcuate projection 20 arranged longitudinallyon its circumference, and only this arcuate projection 2a of the secondtakeout roller is capable of frictional contact with the foremost one ofthe sheets P. The first takeout roller 1 rotates at regular timeintervals, and the second takeout roller 2 rotates continuously, in thedirections of the arrows indicated respectively in the drawings.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the first takeout roller 1 is setin rotation before the arcuate projection 2a of the constantly rotatingsecond takeout roller moves into contact with the foremost one of thesheets P, so that the foremost sheet becomes partly folded about itsapproximately central longitudinal axis and hence partly separated fromthe rest of the sheets. The rotation of the first takeout roller issuspended when the upper edge of the foremost sheet is releasedtherefrom by shifting downwardly.

The configuration shown in FIG. is such that when the foremost sheetbecomes partly separated from the rest of the sheets as above stated,the first takeout roller 1 is caused to move away from the sheets P asindicated by the arrow X in the drawing.

FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) illustrate another preferred embodiment of theinvention, in which a cam roller 3 is mounted coaxially with the secondtakeout roller 2 for simultaneous rotation therewith. The cam roller 3carries an arcuate projection 3a on its circumference, and thisprojection 3a is displaced a predetermined angle from the projection 2aon the second takeout roller 2, as later described with reference toFIG. 11. The rollers 2 and 3 are held in constant rotation during theoperation of the apparatus.

A transmission roller 4 is rotatably mounted between the first takeoutroller 1 and the cam roller 3 for frictional contact with thecircumference of the former and with the arcuate projections 3a of thelatter. An idler roller 5 is further rotatably mounted under the secondtakeout roller 2 for frictional contact with its arcuate projection 2a.

In the operation of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 6(a) 6(a), the firsttakeout roller 1 is set in rotation via the transmission roller 4 as thearcuate projection 3a on the constantly rotating cam roller 3 moves intofrictional contact with the roller 4, as will be seen from FIG. 6(a).The rotation of the first takeout roller 1 thus initiated is maintainedas long as the transmission roller 4 is held in frictional contact witharcuate projection 3a on the cam roller 3. By the rotation of the firstroller 1, the foremost one of the sheets P becomes partly folded aboutits approximately central longitudinal axis as its upper edge slidesdownwardly by friction exerted by the first takeout roller.

Successively, the arcuate projection 2a on the second takeout roller 2moves into frictional contact with the foremost sheet partly separatedfrom the rest of the sheets by the first takeout roller 1, therebyfeeding the foremost sheet down to the idler roller 5. The arcuateprojection 20 on the second takeout roller 2 and the idler roller 5thereafter cooperate to carry the foremost sheet away from the rest ofthe sheets, as illustrated in FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c).

The above procedure is repeated as the arcuate projection 3a on the camroller 3 again moves into frictional contact with the transmissionroller 4 to resume the rotation of the first takeout roller 1. In thismanner each foremost sheet is successively carried away from the rest ofthe stack. It will be apparent that the first takeout roller 1 and thetransmission roller 4 are both held out of rotation while each foremostsheet is being transported by the second takeout roller 2 and the idlerroller 5, and that the first takeout roller is set in rotation via thetransmission roller to partly separate the next sheet from the rest ofthe stack when the preceding sheet has completely been carried awaytherefrom. Such intermittent rotation of the first takeout roller 1 iseffected by the cam roller 3 in cooperation with the transmission roller4, so that the sheets P can be unfailingly fed one by one into the sheetprocessing apparatus.

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate a slight modification of the FIG. 6(a)6(c) embodiment, in which the cam roller 3 of the preceding embodimentis replaced by drive roller 6 of ordinary cylindrical shape which isheld in continuous frictional contact with the transmission roller 4.Although the first takeout roller 1 is thus held in constant rotation,the same is not held in constant contact with the sheets P. Instead, thefirst takeout roller l is supported so as to be swingable about the axisof the transmission roller 4 and is held away from the sheets P whileeach foremost sheet is being carried away from the rest of the stack bythe second takeout roller 2 and the idler roller 5.

The swinging motion of the first takeout roller 1 about the axis of thetransmission roller 4 is timed with the rotation of the second takeoutroller 2, in such a way that the first takeout roller retracts away fromthe sheets P when the arcuate projection 2a on the second takeout rollermoves into frictional contact with the partly separated foremost sheet,as represented in FIG. 7(a). When this sheet is completely carried awayfrom the rest of the sheets by the second takeout roller 2 incooperation with the idler roller 5, the first takeout roller l is swungback into frictional contact with the next foremost sheet, as will beseen from FIG. 7(b). Such swinging motion of the first takeout roller 1can be effected as by a crank mechanism associated with the rotation ofthe second takeout roller 2 and the drive roller 6.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that in all theembodiments of the invention so far disclosed, each foremost sheet ispartly separated from the rest of the stack by the first takeout roller1 before the second takeout roller 2 becomes operative to feed the sheetinto the apparatus. In this manner, each foremost sheet can be fed intothe apparatus with minimum frictional resistance offered by the nextsheet, so that the sheets can be smoothly fed into the apparatus one byone.

FIGS. 8 to illustrate a further preferred, and more specific, embodimentof the invention in which a brake mechanism is provided to arrest therotation of the first takeout roller 1 at the instant each foremostsheet is partly separated from the rest of the sheets and released fromthe first takeout roller. It is possible in this way to preclude anypossibility of simultaneously feeding two successive sheet into theapparatus by the inertial rotation of the first takeout roller 1.

As best illustrated in FIG. 8, a pair of longitudinally spaced secondtakeout rollers 2 are fixedly mounted on a rotatable shaft 7 which iscaused to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. A gateroller 8 is also fixedly mounted on the rotatable shaft 7 between thepair of takeout rollers 2. Further fixedly mounted on the rotatableshaft 7 adjacent one end thereof are a drive roller 9 and a brakingroller 10. The rotation of the drive roller 9 is frictionally conveyedto the transmission roller 4 and thence to another transmission rollerll fixedly mounted on the same rotatable shaft la as the first takeoutroller 1, so that the first takeout r oller is caused to rotate in thedirection of the arrow in the drawing. The idler roller 5 is rotatablymounted under the second takeout roller 2 for cooperation therewith inthe manner previously set forth.

As will be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the second takeout rollers 2has the aforesaid arcuate projection 2a on its circumference, thecircumferential length of which is slightly shorter than the width ofeach sheet to be fed into the apparatus. Typically, the arcuateprojection 2a may take the form of a sheet of rubber or like materialcapable of frictional contact with the surface of each sheet, such sheetof rubber or the like being cemented onto the circumference of eachsecond takeout roller 2. Thus, the projection 2a on each second takeoutroller 2 first engages each foremost sheet at its leading edge 2b andfeeds the sheet into the apparatus as long as the projection remains incontact with the idler roller 5.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the drive roller 9 fixedly mounted on therotatable shaft 7 also has an arcuate projection 9a on itscircumference. The leading edge of this projection 9a is disposed in thesame angular position as the leading edge 2b of the projection 2a oneach second takeout roller 2, and the trailing edge of the projection 9ais disposed in the angular position'such that the upper edge of eachforemost sheet is released from the first takeout roller 1. The firsttakeout roller 1 is held in rotation only when the projection 9a on' thedrive roller 9 is in frictional Contact with the transmission roller 4.

Also as best seen in FIG. 8, the aforesaid braking roller 10 fixedlymounted on the rotatable shaft 7 has an arcuate circumferentialprojection 10a which is completely reversed in its angular relationshipwith respect to the projection 9a on the driveroller 9. A followerroller 12 to be actuated by the braking roller 10 is rotatably supportedon the free end of an arm 14 which is pivoted at the other end thereofon the shaft 13 rotatably supporting the transmission roller 4. A brakeelement which may be in the form of a roll as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 issupported intermediate both ends of the arm 14. Hence, each time theprojection 10a on the braking roller 10 moves into contact with thefollower roller 12, the arm 14 turns clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 9,thereby urging the brake element 15 into contact with the first takeoutroller 1 and hence preventing the same from making any inertialrotation.

, The angular relationship between the projections on the second takeoutrollers 2, the drive roller 9 and the braking roller 10 will be apparentfrom FIG. 11. It will be apparent that the brake element 15 may notnecessarily be in the form of a roll as in the drawings but may take theform of, say, a projection formed integral with the arm 14.

The aforesaid gate roller 8 rotatably mounted between the pair of secondtakeout rollers 2 is adapted to define a narrow gap between itscircumference and the opposed edge of the bottom plate 16 on which thesheets P are mounted in neat arrangement. This gap is such that only onesheet is permitted to pass therethrough at any given time. In thisparticular embodiment of the invention, a sheet of rubber or the like iscemented onto the circumference of this gate roller 8 in the sameangular relationship to the arcuate projections 2a on the second takeoutrollers 2, as indicated at 8a in FIG. 8, so that the gate roller alsotakes part in frictionally carrying each foremost sheet away from therest of the sheets P. I

As seen in FIG. 2, the aforesaid bottom member 16 is supported so as tobe movable toward and away from the gate roller 8 as directed by pins 17slidably received in their respective slots 18 and is further energizedby a spring 19. Hence, by revolving an adjusting screw 20, the bottommember 16 will move relative to a stationary support 21, therebyadjustably varying the width of the gap in accordance with the thicknessof each sheet to be processed.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, thearcuate projection 2a on each second takeout roller 2 can be madesubstantially equal to the other circumferential portion of the secondtakeout roller, with the leading edge 2b of the projection formed byslightly reducing the radius of the second takeout roller itself. It ispossible in this manner to feed the lower edge of each foremost sheetinto the gap between the second takeout rollers 2 and the opposed edgeof the bottom member 16.

The mechanism shown in FIGS. 8 through 10 is to be incorporated in thesheet processing apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 3. The sheets P to beprocessed are neatly accommodated in a space 23 having the bottom member16 and are resiliently urged toward the first and second takeout rollersl and 2 by a sloping back plate 22 fixedly supported by a movablebracket 24. A guide 25 of U-shaped cross section which is formedsubstantially integral with the bracket 24 is movably supported by guiderollers 27 and 28 which are assumed to be rotatably supported in theirrespective positions by the frame 26 of the apparatus. The guide 25 isenergized in the right hand direction, as viewed in FIG. 3, by a spring29, so that the sheets p are resiltween the idler roller and theprojection 2a of the second takeout rollers 2. Another switch mechanism33 is actuated when two sheets are fed simultaneously into theapparatus. The reference numeral 34 designates a space in whichprocessed sheets are successively recovered by a conveyor mechanism 35in cooperation with toothed rollers or wheels 36.

In the operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the sheets Pto be processed are accommodated in the space 23 and are urged by thesloping back plate 22 into contact at least with the first takeoutroller 1. As the entire sheet processing apparatus is succeedingly setin operation to impart rotation to the shaft 7, the first takeout roller1 is caused to rotate in the arrow marked direction before the leadingedge 2b of the projection 2a on each of the second takeout rollers 2turns into contact with the foremost sheet, because then the projection90 on the drive roller 9 is in frictional contact with the transmissionroller 4. The foremost sheet is thus slightly shifted downwardly by thefirst takeout roller 1, as illustrated in FIG. 10(0), and is furthercarried downwardly as the leading edges 2b of the projections 2a on thesecond takeout rollers 2 frictionally engage the sheet.

When the foremost sheet moves out of frictional contact with the firsttakeout roller 1, the projection 9a on the drive roller 9 moves out offrictional contact with the transmission roller 4, so that powertransmission to the first takeout roller 1 is now suspended.Simultaneously, the follower roller 12 rides over the projection 10a onthe braking roller 10, so that the brake element 15 carried by the arm14 is forced into contact with the first takeout roller 1, therebypreventing its inertial rotation. The first takeout roller 1, now out ofrotation as aforesaid, is thus held in frictional contact with the nextsheet to retain the same in position against the motion of the firstmentioned sheet shifting downward in sliding contact therewith.

The foremost sheet being thus conveyed downwardly in frictional contactwith the projections 2a on the second takeout rollers 2 becomessucceedingly caught between the second takeout rollers and the idlerroller and is then transported by the conveyor mechanism 35 toward theaforementioned space 34 for recovery, as will be seen from FIGS. (b) and10(0). In the meantime, the idler roller 5 is displaced downwardly adistance corresponding to the thickness of each sheet travelingthereover, so that the sheet counting switch mechanism 32 is actuated inaccordance with the prior art.

When the foremost sheet is thus completely fed into the apparatus, theprojection 10a on the braking roller 10 turns out of contact with thefollower roller 12, causing the arm 14 to swing counterclockwise, asviewed in FIGS. 9 and 10, so that the brake element 15 moves out ofcontact with the first takeout roller 1. Simultaneously, the projection90 on the drive roller 9 comes into frictional contact with thetransmission roller 4 to set the first takeout roller 1 in rotationagain and hence to initiate the feeding motion of the next sheet. Theforegoing procedure is thereafter repeated to feed the successive sheetsP into the apparatus.

It may be noted that if the leading edge 2b of the projection 2a on eachof the second takeout rollers 2 is made substantially flush with theother circumferential portion of the second takeout roller as shown inFIG. 10, each foremost sheet can be fed smoothly into the narrow spacingbetween the gate roller 8 and the opposed edge of the bottom member 16without being obstructed by the second takeout rollers. Simultaneouslyfeeding of two sheets can thus be positively prevented.

While in all the preceding embodiments of the invention the sheets P tobe processed are arranged so as to stand on one of their lateral edges,it will be apparent that other arrangements are possible within thescope of this invention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, thesheets P may be stacked one upon the other, with the first and secondtakeout rollers 1 and 2 rotatably supported over the stack of sheets. Inthe configuration of FIG. 12 the second takeout rollers 2 may notnecessarily be provided with the arcuate projections as in the precedingexamples.

It is particularly noteworthy in connection with the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8 to 10 that since the rotation of the first takeout roller 1 isforcibly arrested at the instant each foremost sheet is releasedtherefrom by shifting toward the second takeout rollers 2, the firsttakeout roller is effective to frictionally retain the next sheet inposition during the feeding motion of the foremost sheet. Anypossibility of two sheets being fed simultaneously into the apparatus isthis substantially eliminated, so that the reliability of the sheetprocessing apparatus equipped with the roller-type infeed mechanismaccording to this invention is greatly enhanced.

While the infeed mechanism for sheet processing apparatus according tothis invention has been shown and described hereinbefore in terms ofseveral preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be clearly understoodthat the invention itself is not to be restricted by the exact showingof the drawings or the description thereof. For example, the countingmeans, recovery means, and so forth of the apparatus shown in thedrawings are meant only to illustrate the invention, the utility of theinfeed mechanism according to the invention being not limited to thistype of sheet processing apparatus. It is therefore appropriate that theinvention be construed broadly.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sheet processing apparatus wherein sheets held in neatarrangement are successively fed into the apparatus for counting,identifying or like purposes, an infeed mechanism comprising:

a first takeout roller rotatably supported adjacent one edge of the neatarrangement of sheets for frictional contact with each foremost sheetthereof;

at least one second takeout roller rotatably supported adjacent theopposite edge of the neat arrangement of sheets in parallel spacedrelationship to said first takeout roller and including acircumferential portion adapted for frictional contact with eachforemost one of the sheets at prescribed time intervals, said secondtakeout roller being maintained in constant rotation during operation ofthe apparatus; and

drive means operatively positioned for imparting the rotation of saidsecond takeout roller to said first takeout roller at prescribed timeintervals such that each foremost one of the sheets is therebyfrictionally caused to shift relative to the rest of the sheets towardsaid second takeout roller before said circumferential portion of saidsecond takeout roller moves into frictional contact with the foremostsheet, the rotation of said first takeout roller being suspended whenthe shifted foremost sheet is released therefrom, said drive meanscomprising a cam roller rotatably supported in coaxial relationship tosaid second takeout roller for simultaneous rotation therewith andhaving a circumferential portion of increased radius, and a transmissionroller rotatably supported between said cam roller and said firsttakeout roller, whereby the rotation of said second takeout roller isfrictionally conveyed to said first takeout roller only when saidcircumferential portion of said cam roller is in contact with saidtransmission roller, each foremost sheet initially shifted toward saidsecond takeout roller by said first takeout roller being then fed intothe apparatus by said circumferential portion of said second takeoutroller. 2. The infeed mechanism as recited in claim 1, further includingbrake means for forcibly arresting the rotation of said first takeoutroller at the moment when the transmission of rotation to said firsttakeout roller by said drive means is suspended.

3. The infeed mechanism as recited in claim 2, wherein said brake meanscomprises a braking roller rotatably supported in coaxial relationshipto said second takeout roller for simultaneous rotation therewith, saidbraking roller having a circumferential portion of increased radius, anarm pivotally supported between said braking roller and said firsttakeout roller, a follower roller rotatably mounted on the free .end ofsaid arm and held in contact with said braking roller, and a brakeelement mounted intermediate between both ends of said arm, said brakeelement being urged into contact with said takeout roller only when saidcircumferential portion of said braking roller is in contact with saidfollower roller.

1. In a sheet processing apparatus wherein sheets held in neatarrangement are successively fed into the apparatus for counting,identifying or like purposes, an infeed mechanism comprising: a firsttakeout roller rotatably supported adjacent one edge of the neatarrangement of sheets for frictional contact with each foremost sheetthereof; at least one second takeout roller rotatably supported adjacentthe opposite edge of the neat arrangement of sheets in parallel spacedrelationship to said first takeout roller and including acircumferential portion adapted for frictional contact with eachforemost one of the sheets at prescribed time intervals, said secondtakeout roller being maintained in constant rotation during operation ofthe apparatus; and drive means operatively positioned for imparting therotation of said second takeout roller to said first takeout roller atprescribed time intervals such that each foremost one of the sheets isthereby frictionally caused to shift relative to the rest of the sheetstoward said second takeout roller before said circumferential portion ofsaid second takeout roller moves into frictional contact with theforemost sheet, the rotation of said first takeout roller beingsuspended when the shifted foremost sheet is released therefrom, saiddrive means comprising a cam roller rotatably supported in coaxialrelationship to said second takeout roller for simultaneous rotationtherewith and having a circumferential portion of increased radius, anda transmission roller rotatably supported between said cam roller andsaid first takeout roller, whereby the rotation of said second takeoutroller is frictionally conveyed to said first takeout roller only whensaid circumferential portion of said cam roller is in contact with saidtransmission roller, each foremost sheet initially shifted toward saidsecond takeout roller by said first takeout roller being then fed intothe apparatus by said circumferential portion of said second takeoutroller.
 2. The infeed mechanism as recited in claim 1, further includingbrake means for forcibly arresting the rotation of said first takeoutroller at the moment when the transmission of rotation to said firsttakeout roller by said drive means is suspended.
 3. The infeed mechanismas recited in claim 2, wherein said brake means comprises a brakingroller rotatably supported in coaxial relationship to said secondtakeout roller for simultaneous rotation therewith, said braking rollerhaving a circumferential portion of increased radius, an arm pivotallysupported between said braking roller and said first takeout roller, afollower roller rotatably mounted on the free end of said arm and heldin contact with said braking roller, and a brake element mountedintermediate between both ends of said arm, said brake element beingurged into contact with said takeout roller only when saidcircumferential portion of said braking roller is in contact with saidfollower roller.